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AllAfrica
13-06-2025
- Politics
- AllAfrica
Secret US agenda behind India-Pakistan ceasefire
The recent revelation aired by Pakistani security analyst Imtiaz Gul renewed attention to the Nur Khan air base near Islamabad. Gul alleges that this strategically significant facility is under de facto American operational control through a covert arrangement, with US aircraft regularly landing and taking off amid limited transparency. He further claims that even senior Pakistani military officials are restricted from accessing certain operations at the base. These assertions have gained traction in the aftermath of India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist sites and strategic military infrastructure in Pakistan, including the Nur Khan air base. The incident has reignited concerns over Pakistan's sovereignty, the extent and nature of America's military presence and Islamabad's evolving strategic alignments in the region. Noor Khan air base holds immense strategic value due to its location near Islamabad and Rawalpindi—Pakistan's political and military command hubs. Situated close to the Pakistan Army's General Headquarters (GHQ) and the Strategic Plans Division, which manages the country's nuclear arsenal, the base serves as the core command for Pakistan's air mobility operations. It houses key transport squadrons, including C-130s and CN-235s, and supports VVIP and strategic airlift missions. Its significance is further underscored by the regular presence of US military aircraft, particularly C-17 Globemasters and special operations units. Reports indicate that certain sections of the base may be designated for exclusive US use, with limited access even for senior Pakistani officials. This consistent American footprint, combined with restricted oversight, lends credibility to Gul's assertion that the air base could be operating under US oversight for select classified missions. The Noor Khan air base reportedly became a flashpoint during India's precision strike in Operation Sindoor, an event that dramatically escalated tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad. Just hours before the strike, US Vice President J.D. Vance, in an interview with Fox News on May 9, 2025, publicly distanced Washington from the crisis, stating: 'We're not going to get involved in the middle of a war that's fundamentally none of our business, and has nothing to do with America's ability to control it.' However, following India's targeting of the strategically sensitive Noor Khan air base, the United States acted swiftly behind the scenes to contain the fallout. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior US officials activated emergency diplomatic channels aimed at defusing the crisis. However, the ceasefire that eventually took hold occurred only after Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) directly contacted his Indian counterpart, prompting a mutual agreement to halt further escalation. This sequence of events, marked by Washington's initial public detachment and subsequent quiet intervention, likely underscores the concealed strategic importance the US attaches to military assets like Noor Khan air base. Pakistan's readiness to grant the United States access to its military bases is deeply rooted in a decades-long tradition of strategic cooperation. During the Cold War, Pakistan permitted the US to conduct U-2 reconnaissance missions from Peshawar's Badaber Airbase in 1958. This partnership deepened significantly during the War on Terror, when critical facilities—such as Shamsi, Shahbaz, Dalbandin, and Nur Khan air base—were used by US forces for drone strikes, intelligence gathering and logistical operations in Afghanistan. While less overt today, this military collaboration continues in more discreet and sophisticated forms. A strong indicator of sustained US strategic engagement is the consistent flow of financial and multilateral support to Pakistan—even during times of heightened geopolitical tension. In May 2025, amid escalating conflict with India following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan secured a crucial US$1 billion disbursement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under its $7 billion Extended Fund Facility. The release, widely believed to have been facilitated by US influence, was met with disapproval in India due to its timing during active hostilities, reinforcing the perception in New Delhi about Washington's long-standing geostrategic interests in Pakistan. Since 1958, Pakistan has received 24 IMF loan packages totaling around $34 billion, including a $1.3 billion tranche earlier in March 2025. At the same time, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved an $800 million assistance package—comprising a $300 million program-based loan and a $500 million policy-based loan. This support came in addition to previous climate resilience financing, including a $500 million CDREP loan. Despite Indian concerns about potential military diversion of the funds, these disbursements proceeded, signaling strong external backing. Furthermore, continuous US support for the maintenance and upgrade of Pakistan's F-16 fighter fleet continues to reflect a long-standing defense partnership between Rawalpindi and the Pentagon. Despite its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the US continues to view Pakistan as a vital component of its broader regional strategy. Facilities like Noor Khan air base—and possibly others—are believed to serve as forward-operating locations for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. These bases may also be positioned for potential pre-emptive strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites or remnants of transnational terrorist groups such as the Islamic State–Khorasan Province (ISKP). Another key driver of US engagement is the strategic aim of preventing Pakistan from falling fully into China's orbit. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, includes major infrastructure investments—such as highways, ports, and energy facilities—many of which have potential dual-use military applications. It is likely that US ISR capabilities are actively monitoring these developments from strategic locations such as Noor Khan air base. China's strategic partnership with Pakistan—embodied by flagship initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the prospective transfer of advanced platforms such as the J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets—is driven primarily by Beijing's desire to counterbalance India's growing influence in South Asia. Chinese diplomatic and military support is not anchored in Pakistan's intrinsic value but in its instrumental role as a strategic bulwark against India. Yet, Beijing must tread carefully. The Pakistani military establishment has a well-documented history of hedging and duplicity in its external alignments. During the War on Terror, Pakistan secured billions in US assistance while simultaneously harboring elements of the Taliban and Haqqani terror network. Today, the same military apparatus may be covertly cooperating with US strategic objectives—potentially to the detriment of Chinese interests. For Beijing, these developments underscore the need to recognize the transactional instincts of Pakistan's military elite, who are adept at balancing rival patrons in pursuit of regime security and institutional gains. Even China's great strategist, Sun Tzu, might have cautioned against overreliance on such a volatile ally The continued US support for Pakistan—evident in sustained financial aid, favorable IMF policies and recent symbolic gestures such as inviting Pakistan's Army chief General Asim Munir to the 250th US Army Day celebrations in Washington—reinforces the perception of the long-standing transactional defense ties between Rawalpindi and the Pentagon. This support from the US strategic establishment remains strong despite Islamabad's role in fostering regional instability. Notably, Pakistan's 2025–26 federal budget included a nearly 20% increase in defense spending, raising the allocation to approximately 2.55 trillion rupees (~$9 billion), even as overall public expenditure was reduced by 7%. Analysts argue that such a move would not have been possible without continued external backing—particularly from the US—through financial assistance and favorable multilateral mechanisms, including IMF disbursements. For China, the lesson is clear: its strategic investment in Pakistan is conditional and instrumental. The possibility of betrayal exists, especially when dealing with a military establishment that has historically prioritized survival and advantage over ideological loyalty. The Noor Khan air base, in this context, is not just a military asset—it is a symbol of Pakistan's enduring relevance to US strategy and a warning sign for Beijing. Idress Aftab is a research analyst at the New Delhi-based Centre for Foreign Policy Research.
The Print
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Indian strikes on Pakistan larger & deadlier than what Pakistan has portrayed
A runaway at another critical airbase has been left non-operational for the next few months, at least with the kind of impact that the Indian missiles have made. According to initial inputs received so far, at least one transport plane of Pakistan has been destroyed, while two other critical aircraft have suffered moderate to severe damage. New Delhi: Contrary to what the Pakistan military has claimed, the late-night Indian attack on military installations across the border was larger and deadlier, ThePrint has learnt. Sources in the defence establishment said that the Indian missiles that struck inside Pakistan were fired from positions well within the Indian airspace and outside the engagement range of Pakistan's China-supplied air-to-air missiles, demonstrating deep strike capability. While the sources refused to identify which missiles were used, they said the speed and the manoeuvrability aspect of the missiles ensured that they managed to hit the intended targets with pinpoint precision. In a late-night statement, the Pakistani military's information wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG, General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, alleged India had targeted the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi district), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot, Jhang district) air bases. However, the full extent of Indian targets was revealed during a press conference in the morning, held by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. 'After Pakistan deliberately targeted air bases, Indian armed forces took a quick and well-planned retaliatory action and targeted technical installations, command and control centres, radar sites and arms stores,' Colonel Qureshi said. She added that Pakistan military bases at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian were targeted through air launch, precision ammunition and fighter jets. 'Radar site in Pasrur and the aviation base in Sialkot were also targeted with precision ammunition. During these actions, India ensured minimum collateral damage and losses.' Sources said that the biggest setback for Pakistan took place at the Nur Khan air base, where Squadrons No. 6, 10, 12, and 41 are based. This is a VVIP-cum-transport aircraft base. The aircraft there include C-130s and Pakistan's only two IL-78 refuellers, besides the Saab Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet. The other big setback has been at Rahim Yar Khan, where an Indian missile left a huge crater right in the middle of the runway. Sources said that if India wanted, they could have taken out some of the fighter aircraft standing there, but chose to just hit the runway to give Pakistan a view of their capabilities. Sources also said that the aim of the loitering munitions and drone strikes that have taken place in the last three days inside Pakistan was not just to disable their air defence locations, but to send them a message by targeting certain locations. (Edited by Sanya Mathur) Also Read: Smoke, shrapnel & debris—in Punjab's Bathinda, Pakistan's attempted attacks leave a trail
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First Post
10-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Did India's strike on 6 Pakistan airbases lead to ceasefire talks?
After four days of escalation, India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire. This comes after India struck six Pakistani air bases – Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian – early Saturday. The 'precision attacks' came after the Pakistani military launched strikes at over 20 locations along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC), as well as air bases in Punjab read more India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed on Saturday (May 10) evening after United States President Donald Trump's announcement on social media. This comes after the Indian Armed Forces carried out 'precision attacks' on several of Pakistan's military targets early today. This was in response to Islamabad launching attacks at 26 locations along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) last night. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan also fired missiles at several air bases in Punjab last night, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said in a press briefing today. 'In a swift and calibrated response, Indian Armed Forces carried out precision attacks only on identified military targets. These included technical infrastructure, command and control centres, radar sites and weapon storage areas,' she said. The targeted Pakistani military sites included Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian. Singh said India ensured 'minimum collateral damage' while retaliating against Pakistan's offensive. But why were these sites chosen? What's their significance? We will answer. Nur Khan air base, Chaklala India targeted the Nur Khan air base in the garrison city of Rawalpindi's Chaklala. The air base houses Pakistan's Saab Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet. The C-130s and IL-78 aircraft are also stationed there, as per ThePrint report. The Nur Khan air base is reportedly the headquarters of Pakistan's Air Mobility Command. It is crucial for strategic operations and VIP transport. The air base has played a key role in Pakistan's cross-border drone and missile attacks in the last 72 hours, officials in the Indian Air Force (IAF) told NDTV. Several of Pakistan's prominent squadrons are based here. The hitting of the Nur Khan air base is a big jolt for the neighbouring country. Commuters drive through a street in the cantonment area near Nur Khan air base after Indian strikes, in Rawalpindi, on May 10, 2025. AFP Murid air base India chose the PAF Murid base likely because it became the hub for Pakistan's drone operations against India since May 7, when the Indian Armed Forces carried out the missile strikes on nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Located in Chakwal city of Pakistan's Punjab, it reportedly hosts several PAF squadrons operating UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle). Pakistan has sent hundreds of drones towards the Indian border areas in the past few days. India has intercepted these and found that nearly 400 were Turkey-made Songar drones that Pakistan dispatched at 36 locations in India across the western border — from Leh to Sir Creek. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By targeting this air base, India has hit at the heart of Pakistan's drone warfare against it. Rafiqui air bases Rafiqui air base, earlier known as PAF Base Shorkot, in the Jhang district of eastern Punjab in Pakistan, houses advanced fighter jets like Mirage and JF-17. Pakistan could have launched its recent attacks against India from the Rafiqui air base, which acts as a training centre for missions in Punjab and Kashmir, reported NDTV. Rahim Yar Khan Rahim Yar Khan air base is at a strategically important location in southern Punjab of Pakistan. The forward operating base is close to the border with Rajasthan. Its location helps in swift deployment and operations across southern and eastern Pakistan, noted India Today. Sources told ThePrint that an Indian missile left a huge crater in the middle of the runway at the Rahim Yar Khan military base. Sukkur air base Located in Sindh, the Sukkur air base is close to the PAF Base Bholari. Its location is reportedly useful for operations in southern Pakistan and parts of the Sindh and Balochistan regions. Chunian air base Situated near the town of Chunian in Punjab, Chunian air base is one of the Pakistan Air Force's primary operational bases. Sources told ThePrint that the aim of striking these specific locations was not just to disable Pakistan's air defence locations but also to send a message. With inputs from agencies
The Print
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Pakistan launches Operation Bunyan un Marsoos against India, Indian air defence in action
Pakistan's operations came hours after India struck at least three air bases inside Pakistan. Among these damaged sites is the Pakistan military's primary logistics hub, the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi, which is protected by Chinese air defence systems. Initial reports from the ground, however, indicate no major damage. The copy will be updated as confirmed reports come in. New Delhi: Pakistan has launched Operation Bunyan un Marsoos against India, targeting military installations in Jammu, Kashmir and Punjab. The offensive involves surface-to-surface missiles and loitering munitions. The operation's name, drawn from a Quranic verse, means 'unbreakable wall'. General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the chief of Pakistan's military information wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a late-night statement that Indian missiles and drones targeted Pakistan Air Force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi district), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot, Jhang district) air bases. Pakistan Air Force Squadrons stationed at the Nur Khan base are No. 6, 10, 12, and 41, and they operate a host of logistics and other aircraft fleet like the C-130s and IL-78s, besides the Saab Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. The Murid base is where Pakistan's drone squadrons are based, including Turkish armed ones such as the Bayraktar TB2. The Rafiqui base is where Pakistan has certain squadrons of JF-17 and Mirage fighter planes, besides some utility helicopters. India carried out strikes on Pakistani airbases after it tried to hit the Indian Air Force's Sirsa air base with a surface-to-surface missile, which was taken down by Indian air defence assets. Talking about Pakistan's operation against India, sources in the defence establishment told ThePrint that certain munitions fell near important installations in Srinagar and Jammu, and even some religious places in Jammu. However, there has been no direct hit, with the Indian Air Defence system in full action. The Indian Army in a post on X said that 'Pakistan's blatant escalation with drone strikes and other munitions continues along our western borders. In one such incident, today at approximately 5 AM. Multiple enemy armed drones were spotted flying over Khasa Cantt, Amritsar. The hostile drones were instantly engaged and destroyed by our air defence units. Pakistan's blatant attempt to violate India's sovereignty and endanger civilians is unacceptable. #IndianArmy will thwart enemy designs.' Pakistan media, meanwhile, continues to claim huge success for its forces against India. But sources that ThePrint spoke to have denied the claims, saying that they 'were exaggerated 10x'. IAF officials have also described Pakistan's claim of hitting the S-400 as 'fake news'. As several conflicting reports continue to emerge, ThePrint is withholding putting out any unverified information. (Edited by Zoya Bhatti) Also read: ISPR says main logistics hub in Rawalpindi among 3 Pakistan Air Force bases targeted by Indian missiles
The Print
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
ISPR says main logistics hub in Rawalpindi among 3 Pakistan Air Force bases targeted by Indian missiles
General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the ISPR DG, claimed as per information coming in all Pakistan Air Force assets remain safe. 'Continuing its naked aggression, India some time back has fired air-to-surface missiles with its jets. Pakistan military's information wing the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the explosions, blaming them on an Indian missile attack. ISPR DG in a late night statement said India has targeted the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi district), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot, Jhang district) air bases. New Delhi: Explosions were reported in the early hours of Saturday from three Pakistan air bases including the military's primary logistics hub the Nur Khan base in Rawalpindi, hours after Pakistan launched a fresh wave of drones and loitering munitions targeting several Indian cities, and particularly the Sirsa air base of the Indian Air Force (IAF). PAF Nur Khan base, PAF Murid base and Shorkot base were targeted. According to information till now, all PAF assets are safe,' Pakistani daily Dawn quoted him as saying. Incidentally, several purported videos posted by Pakistani citizens on various social media platforms showed what appeared to be a ball of fire at at least two bases including Nur Khan. Indian officials remain mum on the ISPR's claims, but maintain that there will be a briefing later in the day to apprise the country on the developments. Pakistan Air Force Squadrons stationed at the Nur Khan base are No. 6, 10, 12, and 41. The aircraft which are based there include C-130s and IL-78, besides the Saab Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet. Incidentally, hours before these blasts, Pakistan launched a fresh wave of drones and loitering munitions targeting at least 26 locations along the northern and western sectors, ranging from Baramulla in J&K to Bhuj in Gujarat—states along the International Border and Line of Control. These included suspected armed drones posing potential threats to civilian and military targets, said the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Among cities targeted were Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet and Lakhi Nala. The Indian Army added that 'an armed drone targeted a civilian area in Ferozepur, resulting in severe injuries to members of a local family'. This is a developing story (Edited by Amrtansh Arora) Also Read: Orders for Pahalgam satellite images from US firm peaked two months before attack
